Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group New job causes too much pain

I'll give him a call. I've had two packs in the past 3 months, so I don't know if he'll do it or not. I need to do something, I can't even get around the house, if I go to work like this, I'll need crutches.

update: I left a message for the on-call physician. I'm waiting for a call back.

Hello Jeff

That's just too bad. You've been waiting for this job and get struck down with a flare before you've had a chance to get stuck into it and prove yourself.

I don't know what government jobs are like in the US, but in the UK they really look after you. I know you are on a trial period but I think like Donette said, if you chat to HR about it, I would like to think they would do everything they can to help you.

Like you said, it's not as if you can hide your condition at the moment, things are too bad. I think putting yourself on their mercy is your best chance at getting support and understanding.

You don't want them to misinterpret the situation as you are not pulling your weight for example.

I don't know what work you do, but when I was in a bad way at work, my boss let me work from home for a while. Of course that certainly may not be an option and you also mentioned travel. When I came back to work I was put me on light duties too.

I hope your boss and co-workers are kind and supportive, Jeff, you really deserve a break here.

Good luck and very best get well wishes.

So, I called my GP. He differed to the specialist. So I called my rheumy and went over all my meds and painkillers. He said its too soon for a steroid and I can add a little APAP to what I'm taking. That's like going after a dragon with a fly swatter. I should just fire all my doctors and start over...I think there too familiar with me and my case and probably think I'm blowing stuff out of proportion.

Thanks Tink,

I think that's what I'll have to do. In the US, the government is one of the most understanding employers. What worries me is I just started and I'm on a trial period. My boss was told I had arthritis, but he though I might have a little trouble with my fingers. I don't know how he'll react to this.

Jeff

Dragon swatters won't do - you need a dragon slayer.

Hello Jeff

I am not speaking from anything other than my own take on the situation... but I think trial periods are generally there to make sure you are suited to the job and the job is suited to you.

With that in mind...

Even with your nasty flare up, you can still demonstrate lots of positive attributes you can bring to this post:

*Enthusiasm - by asking lots of questions and learning as much as you can.

*Committment - showing up to work each day when you are suffering from a chronic condition shows real tanacity and dedication - certainly puts those who pull a sicky cos they have a hangeover to shame! (that's not to say you should turn up to work if you are not able - your health is top priority.)

*Competance - demonstrate what you can do and explain things you can't and why. Even if you are not able to do something, you can still offer your opinions and ideas.

*Initiative - employers love a new member of staff who can show they can be left to get on with things - find ways to make yourself shine that are within your capabilities.

*Team player - get stuck in as much as you can so your boss can see how well you fit in.

These things might help others to see past your chronic illness and see that you could be a valuable member of the team.

Good employees are hard to find! The right attitude to work goes a long way.

One other thing is - you should certainly never feel that you have to overcompensate because of your condition. If you take things at your own pace, you can still find ways to contribute like everyone else.

This stuff just started popping into my head, hope you don't think I'm interferring - just trying to throw a few idea forward - I'm sure you have thought of these things anyway

Hey there Jeff,

What you describe sounds similar to a program the Canadian military has for officers. They can join the forces and serve as an officer as long as they make significant progress towards getting a degree. I've never met one who actually did any kind of academic work though...lol

As such, they are limited in career advancement and pay initially but enjoy full benefits. I hope you're right about getting full benefits before you ever become a permanent employee.

There ought to be medical supply stores near you where you can pick up the right sort of crutches or what-have-you. I got my cane from a local store, right off the shelf. You will want to make sure that you have the crutches adjusted properly for you though. I know with canes, it is important to adjust them carefully to avoid causing more problems and I suspect the same is true for crutches as well.

Good luck to you Jeff,

Chris

Hi Jeff,

What is the job? May help if we know what it is your doing. Also... why do you have to walk to lunch? I used to eat at my desk a lot when walking an issue.

I had to make a lot of accomodations with work when first had AS. I had to take my own chair to clients, had to take small bag carrier to roll large client files to work (I was public accountant when first got AS).

Another thing that I found hurt my hips was stairs... I had to learn to avoid stairs or take them one at a time.

Best to you Jeff.

Tim